0 Shares

There’s something truly enchanting about the sight of freshly baked bread emerging from the oven, especially when it’s as colorful and delightful as Ube Milk Bread. The moment I first tasted this vibrant loaf, the sweet, nutty essence of ube danced on my palate, instantly transforming an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

As the aroma filled my kitchen, I couldn’t help but recall the laughter and warmth shared during family gatherings, where this unique bread stole the spotlight. With its soft, fluffy texture and beautiful swirls of purple, this Ube Milk Bread not only looks stunning on any table but also beckons you to take a slice—and then another!

If you’re tired of the same monotonous meals or seeking to impress guests with something extraordinary yet simple, this recipe is the answer. Join me as we dive into a world of delightful flavors where homemade love is evident in each slice. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just beginning your baking journey, this Ube Milk Bread will surely become a cherished staple in your home. Let’s get started!

Why is Ube Milk Bread a Must-Try?

Irresistible Appeal: The stunning purple hue and soft texture make this bread a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Unique Flavor: Infused with ube, it offers a sweet, nutty flavor that’s a delightful departure from regular bread.
Simple Steps: Despite its gourmet look, the recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a family gathering or brunch with friends, this bread will steal the show and leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Perfect for Any Meal: Serve it as breakfast, a snack, or dessert—it adapts to any occasion beautifully!
Homemade Love: There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of baking this delightful treat in your own kitchen. Enjoy this lovely journey into baking!

Ube Milk Bread Ingredients

For the Starter
• All-purpose flour – use for the initial thickening stage to create a smooth base.
• Whole milk – adds creaminess; you can substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free version.
• Water – ensures the right consistency; using warm water helps activate the yeast quickly.

For the Dough
• Bread flour – provides structure and chewiness, key for perfect Ube Milk Bread.
• Granulated sugar – sweetens the bread slightly; feel free to reduce it for less sweetness.
• Dry active yeast – vital for leavening; double-check that it’s fresh to ensure proper rising.
• Milk powder – enhances flavor and texture; can be omitted if you’re low on it.
• Kosher salt – balances flavors; don’t skip it, as it’s essential for taste.
• Large egg – enriches the dough and aids in browning; use a flax egg for a vegan option.
• Unsalted butter – lends richness; substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
• Ube powder – imparts the beautiful purple color and unique flavor; always check for quality.
• Ube extract – enhances the ube taste; optional but recommended for a stronger flavor profile.

For the Final Touch
• Heavy cream – gives a lovely golden finish to the crust; milk can work in a pinch.

With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating the most delightful Ube Milk Bread that will surely become a family favorite! Happy baking!

How to Make Ube Milk Bread

Whisk Together: In a medium pot, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole milk, and water. Set over medium heat, stirring often until thickened to a consistency similar to mashed potatoes, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it cool completely.
Prepare the Dough: In a stand mixer, combine bread flour, granulated sugar, dry active yeast, milk powder, and kosher salt. Attach the dough hook and add half of the cooled starter mixture, whisked egg, and milk. Knead on low speed for 5 minutes, scraping down the bowl to mix thoroughly.
Incorporate Butter: Add the softened butter to the dough and knead on low speed for another 5 minutes until fully incorporated. Turn up the speed to medium and continue kneading for 5 more minutes until the dough is smooth. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 1 hour.
Mix Ube Dough: In another bowl, whisk together bread flour, ube powder, granulated sugar, dry active yeast, milk powder, and kosher salt. Use the dough hook to mix in ½ cup of the cooled starter, egg, milk, and ube extract. Knead on low for 5 minutes, and then continue with the same butter incorporation as above, kneading until smooth. Allow to rest in a greased bowl covered with plastic wrap for another hour.
Shape the Dough: After the resting time, grease two 9×4 or 9×5 inch loaf pans. For the cream dough, punch it down and transfer to a floured surface. Divide it into 8 equal parts, shape each into a ball, and cover with plastic wrap. Repeat with the purple (ube) dough.
Layer and Roll: Flatten one cream dough ball into an 8×5-inch rectangle, then flatten one purple dough ball and place it on top. Starting from the shorter end, roll the dough into a log, placing it seam side down in the loaf pan. Repeat until all dough balls are formed into logs.
Final Rise: Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Bake: After rising, remove the plastic wrap, lightly brush the dough with heavy cream, and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 190°F. Rotate halfway through baking for even cooking.
Cool and Slice: Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then unmold and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Use a serrated knife to slice.

Optional: Serve warm with a spread of butter for a delightful treat!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Ube Milk Bread

Room Temperature: Store Ube Milk Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and soft.

Fridge: If you need to extend its shelf life, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week, though this may slightly change its texture.

Freezer: For long-term storage, slice the Ube Milk Bread and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy your Ube Milk Bread, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it in a toaster or oven at 350°F for a few minutes before serving for that freshly baked taste.

Ube Milk Bread Variations

Feel free to get creative and tailor this delightful Ube Milk Bread to your taste preferences!

Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk with almond milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a deliciously vegan twist.
Flavor Infusions: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the sweetness and create a fragrant aroma in the bread.
Nutty Addition: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that beautifully complements the softness.
Sweet Swirl: Swirl in a mix of warm cinnamon and sugar into the dough before rolling for an exciting cinnamon variation.
Fruity Elevation: Layer in some thinly sliced bananas or blueberries for a fruity burst of flavor in each slice.
Herbal Note: For an intriguing touch, mix in a tablespoon of dried lavender or rosemary, creating a unique aromatic bread.
Spiced Ube: Add a half teaspoon of ground spice like nutmeg or allspice for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect with your morning coffee.
Extra Sweet: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over slices for an indulgent treat that’s perfect for breakfast or desserts.

Each of these variations invites you to explore new flavors while cherishing the comforting essence of Ube Milk Bread! Enjoy your baking journey!

What to Serve with Ube Milk Bread?

Imagine a table filled with vibrant colors and comforting aromas that invite everyone to gather around. Ube Milk Bread is not just a treat; it’s an experience that deserves a delightful array of pairings.

Smooth Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter for a creamy, nutty contrast that elevates the sweetness of the bread.
Tropical Fruit Jam: A dollop of mango or pineapple jam complements the flavors of ube and brings a fruity zest to each bite.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a luxurious touch, perfect for dessert occasions or a decadent breakfast.
Fresh Berries: Serve with strawberries or blueberries for a burst of fresh flavor that balances the sweetness of the bread beautifully.

The combination of colors on the plate will be as enticing as the flavor profiles, creating not just a meal, but a feast for the senses.

Strong Coffee: Brew a rich coffee or espresso to contrast the sweetness of Ube Milk Bread, making for a perfect morning ritual.
Coconut Milk: Serve a refreshing bowl of coconut milk to dip slices of bread into, making for a tropical breakfast experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert that highlights the lovely ube flavor.

With these pairings, your Ube Milk Bread will shine even brighter, turning every meal into a celebration of homemade goodness!

Expert Tips for Ube Milk Bread

Stay Fresh: Always check the freshness of your dry active yeast before using; old yeast can result in a dense loaf.

Perfect Dough Consistency: Aim for a dough that is slightly tacky yet firm. If it’s too sticky, gradually add more bread flour while kneading.

Knead Well: Ensure you knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for fluffy Ube Milk Bread.

Gentle Rolling: When rolling the dough into logs, be gentle to maintain air pockets that contribute to the light texture.

Even Baking: Rotate the loaf pan halfway through baking to achieve a golden brown crust all around.

Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing, as this helps set the texture and prevents squishing.

Make Ahead Options

These Ube Milk Bread loaves are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the instructions up through the shaping step. Once you have shaped the dough balls, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to develop while keeping the dough fresh. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge, let the dough rise for 30-45 minutes at room temperature, and proceed with the baking instructions. This way, you’ll enjoy the delightful aroma and soft texture of freshly baked Ube Milk Bread with minimal effort on busy weeknights!

Ube Milk Bread Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best ube powder?
Absolutely! When choosing ube powder, look for a vibrant purple color and a smooth texture. Make sure to check the ingredient list to ensure it’s made from real ube. Avoid brands that include fillers or artificial coloring, as they can impact both flavor and quality.

What’s the best way to store Ube Milk Bread?
You can keep Ube Milk Bread fresh and delicious by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re not planning to eat it within that time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. Just be aware that refrigeration might slightly alter the texture.

Can I freeze Ube Milk Bread?
Very! To freeze your Ube Milk Bread, first slice it into pieces. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. It will retain its best quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it in a toaster or oven for that freshly baked taste!

What should I do if my bread doesn’t rise properly?
Oh no! If your Ube Milk Bread doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Always check the expiration date on your dry active yeast before using it. Make sure your water or milk for mixing is warm (around 110°F). If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast. If your dough doesn’t rise at all, you can try kneading in a bit more flour or letting it rest in a warmer area to encourage better rising.

Is Ube Milk Bread safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes! Ube Milk Bread is typically nut-free, but be sure to check the specific brands of ube powder and other ingredients you use. Always read labels, especially if you’re catering to someone with severe allergies, as cross-contamination is a possibility.

How long does it take to make Ube Milk Bread from start to finish?
The total time for making Ube Milk Bread is about 3 hours, which includes prep, cooking, and an additional 1 hour and 30 minutes of resting time for the dough. Although it may seem lengthy, the steps are straightforward, and the delightful taste will certainly be worth the wait!